Introducing Brides’s newest foodie-celebrating series, in which we bring beautiful, handcrafted, Instagram-approved signature cocktails to you four times a week! Each month, we’ll shine a spotlight on two master mixologists and their one-of-a-kind libations, with recipes and tips on how you can incorporate these signature beverages into your wedding menu, engagement party, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or just an extra sweet night at home in the kitchen together. For January, the master mixologist and general manager of lauded North Carolina eatery Kindred continues to blow us out of the water with eight boozy beauties to keep you and your guests sipping and swinging all evening long. Stay tuned to hear from more of your favorite bartenders across the country (and beyond!)—because, as we all know, the drinks really do make the wedding.

Oaxaca Flocka

"Saxon + Parole in NYC has a mezcal cocktail that I fell in love with. Every time I'm in New York it's one of my first stops. It's called Bowery Fix and has Olmeca Altos Blanco, Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, fresh bell pepper, and chili oil. We put our own twist on it at Kindred with a cocktail called ## HeadingOaxaca Flocka." —Blake

Recipe

1.75 oz. Vida Mezcal

0.75 oz. Lemon

0.75 oz. Grapefruit

0.5 oz. Agave syrup (1:1)

0.5 oz. Small Hands Pineapple Gum

15 drops Calabrian Chile Oil

Add all to a shaker and shake! Pour into a coupe glass and serve with drops of chile oil for a garnish.

As the beverage director and general manager of Kindred and Hello, Sailor, Blake Pope is always looking to push the envelope when it comes to delicious, artfully crafted cocktails. Pope finds his inspiration when creating cocktails from chef and owner Joe Kindred, by matching his creations with both restaurants’ seasonal menus, allowing the ingredients do the talking, with innovative yet approachable cocktails that complement the cuisine. Pope, who is a big fan of working with great vermouths, fortified wines, and Amari, believes in an understated cocktail menu and lives by the “less is more” approach. “Execution is a big part in what makes a good drink great,” he says. “That and genuine hospitality behind the bar.” Pope uses his talents to help tell the stories of these fabulous family-owned and operated restaurants. Follow him on Instagram @mblakepope, along with Kindred @kindredrestaurant and Hello, Sailor @hellosailornc.